THE BLIND AND LAME CAME TO HIM IN THE TEMPLE
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.” Matthew 21:14, ESV
Theme: Ministry should always take place when Jesus is around, and certainly when the church gathers.
WE ARE ALL BLIND AND LAME
The Church gathers and it is full of people. Some of us come injured, blind, lame, or broken. None of us come to Jesus unblemished. We come to the Church in our brokenness for sustenance and healing. We come just like those seeking God from the beginning of Genesis through Revelation. In Isaiah, the prophet foretells Jesus’ ministry as one that heals:
“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
then shall the lame man leap like a deer,
and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.
For waters break forth in the wilderness,
and streams in the desert; (Isaiah 35:5-6, ESV)
Likewise, when we gather in Jesus’ Name, with the Holy Spirit in our hearts, ministry, healing, worship, and service to others will happen. It should happen, because that is our purpose as the Body of Christ.
MINISTRY
There is a difference between entertainment and ministry. When I go to a concert, Broadway show, or movie, I expect to be entertained. In class, at a historic site, or a museum, I expect to be educated. At a spa, I expect to be pampered and served. At a delicious restaurant, I expect to be fed and nourished. Ministry provides a bit of healing, restoration, teaching, sustaining, friendship, and feeding. However, ministry isn’t something that happens to us if we are part of the Body. Ministry is a team sport, and we all have the opportunity, ability, and responsibility to participate. Ministry is our purpose. It’s not only something to expect from others. Ministry is why you are here.
THE TEMPLE - THE GATHERED CHURCH
God loves the gathered Church. He is with us when we are together. He works among and through us. “And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts 14:27, ESV). Doors are opened, chains break, captives are set free: that's how we know the Church is alive. I break chains. I am set free. We are both the captive and the chain breaker. We do ministry with God for and with each other.
Make It Personal: In what ways are you ministered to when you gather with the church? In what ways do you minister to others by the power of the Holy Spirit? Does the Church provide healing? Why or why not?
Pray: Lord, help me to actively participate. Thank You for the ability to gather in public with the church. I am thankful to see the body gathered together each week. Help me to pray for others, serve regularly, and participate when You provide healing: mental, emotional, and physical. Please fill the Church with Your presence. Give me the faith and motivation to minister in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Read: Matthew 23:16-24; Acts 2:42-47
Weekly Memory Verse: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (ESV)